VansA2Z Awards

Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd has yet again clinched a double honours at the 2017 VansA2Z Awards, with the mighty Sprinter collecting Minibus of the Year and 4x4 Panel Van of the Year.

This lasted honour marks the sixth consecutive year that Sprinter has been awarded the 4x4 Panel Van title, and the fourth consecutive for Minibus of the Year, highlighting the versatility of this iconic van.

Neil McIntee, Editor of VansA2Z, said: “Apart from the inherent safety and reliability, it’s the breadth of the Sprinter 4x4’s model range that impresses. There’s one on offer for just about any application; from transporting up to six people, tools and equipment to isolated locations to a full-size minibus.

“Mercedes-Benz has also covered just about every base when it comes to occupant safety and seat configuration in the superb Sprinter Tourer minibus range. For your money, you get an all-embracing package of standard and optional safety systems that cover pretty much all angles.”

Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd, added: “Sprinter is quite possibly the most awarded commercial vehicle, and these two VansA2Z awards sum up just how adaptable and flexible the Sprinter can be, whether you need to transport goods or people on or off road.

“When you then combine our award-winning vehicles with our nationwide Dealer Network offering out-of-hours servicing and free, round-the-clock MobiloVan roadside assistance, as well as our competitive finance, insurance, GenuineParts and driver training offering, running a Mercedes-Benz Vans becomes even more compelling, and I am delighted that VansA2Z has recognised that in our products.”

FUSO Canter

The popular FUSO Canter has won a remarkable fourth consecutive Light Truck of the Year title at the 2017 Vans A2Z Awards.

Special Vehicles Communications Specialist Natalia Valverde stepped up to collect the trophy on behalf of Mercedes-Benz and FUSO Trucks during a ceremony at Twickenham, the home of English Rugby.

Key to the Canter’s latest award conversion were its everyday driveability, strength and durability, and the manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to the development of more environmentally-friendly power technologies.

Sold and supported by Mercedes-Benz Dealers in Great Britain, the Canter family comprises 4x2 and 4x4 variants with gross weights from 3.5-8.55 tonnes, and engine outputs from 96kW (130 hp) to 129 kW (175 hp). It includes a well-established diesel-electric Eco Hybrid model, while the first fully-electric eCanters are due to enter service on UK roads before the end of this year.

VansA2Z Editor Neil McIntee commented: “The Canter once again takes the honours in the Light Truck of the Year category, thanks to an impressive combination of attributes.

“Operators benefit from its outstanding reliability and smooth, fuel-efficient 3.0-litre engines, which translate into highly competitive operating costs. At 7.5 tonnes gvw and above, the Canter also offers the highest payloads on the market.

“The manufacturer has an admirable commitment to innovation,” he continued. “DUONIC was the world’s first dual-clutch automated transmission, while the Canter Eco Hybrid broke new ground in making economic as well as environmental sense, and we’re now looking forward to the arrival of the zero-emission eCanter.

“Factor in the back-up provided by the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Network and the FUSO Canter adds up to a highly capable, value for money package which is fully deserving, yet again, of our Light Truck of the Year Award.”

Sam Whittaker, Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ Director Customer Service & Operations, confirmed: “The FUSO Canter enjoys the same level of support and customer service from our organisation as any vehicle bearing the three-pointed star.

“It complements the Mercedes-Benz Trucks range perfectly and also benefits from our Zero Tolerance on Downtime commitment, which explains why so many operators choose to run vehicles from both product lines.”

A ‘real world’ pilot programme for the 7.5-tonne eCanter is scheduled to commence in London next November, at which point Dealers will start taking orders for this remarkable new vehicle, which enters series production in 2018.

Natalia Valverde added: “We’re thrilled to have made such a fantastic start to what promises to be a very exciting year for the Canter, by winning yet another VansA2Z Light Truck of the Year award.”